Juniata College Reviews

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Megan from New Market, MD

03/02/2011

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

6 out of 6 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Science majors, those who work well with smaller groups, anyone looking for the liberal arts education--it's not just for art majors! Liking the outdoors is a must. Also must be okay with a more isolated school and less of the popular night life

Tips for prospective students

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH THE COUNSELORS. Since the very beginnings of my college search, Juniata has stood out as being the most personable and friendly with the admission process. My counselor, Josh, has been in touch with me since my junior year, and has helped answer my questions. While that should be standard, Juniata's done more. I've gotten a personal phone call from a Juniata student who wanted to check in on my college searching and see if I had any questions. Josh has also sent me local articles on things I might find interesting about the school. Even my acceptance letter felt handwritten. They take a very personal interest in potential students, just enough that you feel important to them, without being spammy and obnoxious. I also recommend the Open House events, or just visiting in general. (Plus, if you visit or apply online, there's no application fee!)

Bang for the buck

I think so. The high price might be intimidating, as it is with private schools, but JC is one of the most generous with merit aid I've seen. I received a Quinter Scholarship (which is now $18,000 and requires a 3.75 weighted GPA), so I feel much better about the price tag. No matter what the cost, though, Juniata's a solid place to go.

Will enjoy being here

Many people complain that small schools have less of a social life, and that getting to know everyone so quickly is boring. But if you're like me, somewhat introverted but still social, the balance is perfect. I don't need a good party scene to be happy--I'd much rather be kayaking on the river (looks like fun!), hiking or just relaxing somewhere. It sounds like a very friendly place overall, and though there's no nightclubs (oh, darn), there's still plenty to do. Huntingdon's a nice little town, and if you really want something bigger, Altoona and State College are just a (perilous) hour's drive away.

Will learn a lot

I'm looking to major in Biology, and this looks like a great place to go for it. The program is very diverse, and surprisingly varied for a school of its size. I haven't gotten to sit in on classes (I've been accepted, and they're at the top of my list right now, but I haven't made the final visit yet) but they have a lot of interesting offerings for such a small place. Particularly, their Biology department covers everything from Virology to Ecology, including some wild-cards like Herpetology (would so take that class if I go there!) and Glassblowing (it's not just for artists, but chemistry as well).

Have a car, Juniata is out in the middle of nowhere and to go anywhere interesting you need a car (or a friend with a car). Pack for all sorts of weather, you can experience all four seasons in a week sometime. Go to Lobsterfest to scope out all the clubs and societies but don't actually eat the lobster.

Bang for the buck

For me the cost is worth the education that I plan on getting there. It is a bit pricy but with scholarships from the college and applying for others it ends up being relatively less.

Will enjoy being here

The campus is beautiful and the people are amazing. You are surrounded by the wood and mountains and it is a very small cozy college. The teachers take time out their day to talk to everyone and even give out home phone numbers if their office hours don't work for you.

Academic Rigor

Because Juniata is a Liberal Arts school, students are exposed to many different subject areas than just their intended major. Classes are usually small and professors are always willing to help. You do have to apply yourself though, slacking won't get you very far.

Alexandra from Kimberton, PA

JC Police are great - they're available around the clock, and they are good at fulfilling their job and upholding policies without ruining Saturday night fun.

Greek Life

None. But that doesn't mean that Juniata lacks parties, or various social activities. Private or campus-wide, parties and social groups are easy to find.

Clubs and Activities

There's always something to do at Juniata. About half the students are involved in sports, and there are club and intramural options for students (like me) who don't have time to compete and train full-time. There are also numerous music groups, art clubs, role-playing and gaming groups, and various field-trips and out-door activities available year-round for those who are interested. Some of my personal favorites include playing club Frisbee, touring in Ireland with Concert Choir, helping to sew costumes for various theater productions, and organizing events with the Alumni Association.

Great for these types of students

Juniata is a community of all kinds of people, but I think the students who like it best are those who want to learn, socialize, and be active in a variety of different disciplines. Many students create study programs that allow them to take classes in a variety of departments, and most are also involved in sports, music groups, and other extra-curricular clubs and activities.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There are so many traditions at Juniata! For Mountain day (which is different every year), classes get cancelled and everyone goes to Raystown lake for a fun-filled day of games, activities, and food. Then there's Pigroast, Lobsterfest, Madrigal dinner and dance, Storming of the Arch, Mr. Juniata Competition, and more. Inbound, the number one freshmen transition into life at Juniata is a great way to start the school year.

Bang for the buck

Juniata, being a private school, is definitely not cheap. But it offers a variety of merit and need-based scholarships, along with various payment plans that help to make it a feasible investment for families of all income backgrounds.

What to do for fun

Juniata is located in Huntingdon, a small town in the middle of nowhere in central PA. Being about 30 minutes from State College (driving), there are places to go shopping, but if you don't have a car, it's a little hard to get anywhere on your own. Huntingdon does have some neat little shops, bars, cafes, and an old movie theatre. Since I was so busy last year on campus, I didn't miss not being close to a large city. There was so much to do through the clubs that I was part of, and I had fun organizing my own parties and events as well.

Food and Dining

There are a few choices for dining on-campus, besides cooking your own food. Baker is the main cafeteria, which offers standard food, such as pizza, grilled food, a home-cooked line, salad bar, and the local, organic option offered 3 days per week. Otherwise, there's 3 other venues where meal exchange is possible for take-out, or you can buy Starbucks coffee, snacks, sandwiches, fruits, etc. with DCB or cash.

Dorm Life

Dorms, from the standard doubles to quads, apartments, and off-campus housing, are generally pretty decent. Freshmen are mostly housed together, sophomores often live in East, Lesher (the all-girls' dorm), or South, while Juniors and Seniors are given a greater variety of options such as living off-campus. All dorms are equipped with cooking, laundry, and lounge facilities. The dorms that I spent time in were all pretty pleasant and clean (though this sometimes varied dramatically depending on the occupants). The rooms had big windows, good closet spaces, and were generally furnished well.

Academic Rigor

Juniata's Bachelor of Science programs demand classes that aren't easy, like Organic Chem, but most of the professors are more than happy to help out. Art and Humanities classes aren't easy either, but as long as you are focused in class and stay on top of your work, the academic stress is definitely manageable.

Tips for prospective students

Don't be afraid to try new things or to ask questions. Find your passion(s), be dedicated, stay busy, and you'll have a blast! Also, keep a good balance between your academics and social activities. Leave time to relax and have fun on the weekends, but stay on top of your workload.

In three sentences

Juniata is a perfect school if you like knowing students and professors on campus. It is small (about 1,600 students), with challenging professors, who love what they teach, and provide a learning environment that is both challenging and lots of fun. Their's always something to do outside of class, with a community of people who support whatever it is that you are passionate about.

Taylor from Philipsburg, PA

Juniata is great for students who like the atmosphere of a small classroom setting and a small student to teacher ratio.

Tips for prospective students

Juniata is a wonderful school with a small class setting and friendly environment.

Am enjoying being here

I am on the women's volleyball team. It is a lot of hard work but a lot of fun at the same time! I like the challenge!

Am learning a lot

The professors I have had so far at Juniata College genuinely care how their students do inside and outside of the classroom. The professors are very passionate about subjects they are teaching and can explain it to the students in a way they understand.

CJ from Brooklyn, NY

07/04/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

I feel very safe on campus. Campus security is great. I've never had any problems. A word about drinking off-campus: Do NOT get caught. The school knows that students will drink on-campus and don't really make a huge deal about it, but getting caught off-campus will probably get you a night in jail.

Greek Life

There is no greek life at Juniata, one reason why I chose the school. Everyone looking for greek life, this isn't the school for you.

Clubs and Activities

Advocacy, politics, religion, recreation--there's a club for pretty much everything. If you want to create a club, you can. I don't think there's much hassle in the process.

Great for these types of students

Students who don't mind the small-town environment. If you don't have a car, you'll have to make friends with someone who does, or just walk like my friends and I do. Downtown is only about a 20-minute walk away. Also, the students here are more or less very open-minded and accepting of others (there are a few exceptions, of course).

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Lobsterfest! It's the fall club fair, where all the clubs set up a table and basically talk about themselves. Students get to sign up for as many clubs as they like, and afterwards, everyone gets their own lobster (or steak) to eat. It's fantastic.

Bang for the buck

Born and raised in Brooklyn, I wanted a school that was much smaller and rural, and Juniata is a perfect fit for me. It's an expensive school, but they are very generous with their aid, and if you ask them for help, they'll do what they can. This is one of the few schools I know of where you can combine pretty much any major with any other major.

What to do for fun

For those looking for parties, this isn't a huge party school. Pink and East Houses are mainly where the parties are. They can get pretty rowdy, but everyone has fun as far as I know.

Food and Dining

Okay, campus food: You will likely get bored after a while. There are two eateries, Baker Refectory and Eagles Landing (which everyone on campus calls Muddy). Baker has lots of options, from pizza to classics to an exhibition line where they cook more specialized foods. There's a vegan area as well, and I believe there are gluten-free options available. On weekend mornings, Baker is the only eatery available, where they do brunch. (If you're going to the omelet line, be ready to wait, as it gets long! The cook makes six at a time, so the wait isn't too bad.) Muddy is kind of like a food court at the mall with different areas catering to different tastes (asian, grill, mexican, salads, and a sandwich line like Subway). The food here is available for meal exchange, and you usually get two or three options per line. The food up here is better than that in Muddy, but you have to be careful about not getting meal exchange items during their scheduled times: For that, you have to pay. I'm hooked on the make-your-own stir fry line in Muddy. I have to pay for it each time, but they're not stingy with the portions and it's worth it. There are places to eat in town--Boxers and OIP are great! There's also a Sheetz only a few blocks away for ready-made food and a Weis if you want to pick up ingredients or frozen foods to cook.

Dorm Life

I've lived in two dorms so far, the third floor of Terrace and the second floor of Lesher (the all-girls dorm). The rooms in Lesher seem much larger; the closet and mirror spaces are definitely twice as large as the spaces in Terrace. TnT (That's Tussey 'n' Terrace) are a bit farther away from other points on campus (with the exception of East Houses, which are WAY off compared to everything else), but right across the street from the ceramics studio. Both rooms I lived in were great; there weren't any problems that were so terrible that I wanted to leave.

Academic Rigor

Don't come here expecting to breeze through! This is not a school where you can just sit back and walk out with high grades. I've attended Juniata for one year so far, and several teachers had attendance rules where you'd lose points if you were excessively absent. Basically, come to class, put effort into your work, and you'll be fine. Talk to your professors if you're struggling. They are willing to work with you.

Tips for prospective students

Be prepared to work. Some classes are, of course, more intense than others, but for the most part, there are no easy As here. You will be made to work for your grades, but if you put in the effort and show that you're trying, teachers here are very receptive to it.

In three sentences

I love this school. They worked with me when I applied (after getting laid off from my job) so I could attend. The people and staff I've met are wonderful, and I know I'm building friendships that will last for a very long time.

Stacie from Huntingdon PA

Science majors( Biology and chemistry are really tough but good here!) You will work like crazy but get a great science education.

Tips for prospective students

Visit the campus! It really is a nice small yet very very beautiful. It has a great layout.The surrounding town doesn't have much to do, but State college and altoona are 1 hour, 30 mins away respectively.

Bang for the buck

Really pretty pricy...

Am enjoying being here

There is a lot of drinking and partying going on. If you don't like to get drunk all the time, DO NOT choose to live in east dorms.There are a fair number of clubs you can get involved in. The facilities are pretty nice though and they have macs available to students.

Am learning a lot

(I am a high school student doing dual enrollment) I learned a good deal of information and remember taking lots of notes! It kinda depends though on the type of class and teacher.

there are so many unusual tradition like storming of the arch, lobster fest, madrigal, and the peace chapel, just to name a few. storming of the arch is to initiate freshmen. the freshmen class storms towards the upper class-men to try and break through the arch. the peace chapel is this beautiful place to hang out with your friends. there are just so many!

Bang for the buck

the education and experience is most definitely worth it!

What to do for fun

there's so many things, it depends on who you are. monthly juniata puts on shows or concerts. a few times a month they host friday night live where they bring in a comedian or act. the community has tons of great shops and restaurants to hang out at. they have a fantastic gym to swim at or work out at and there's lounges with televisions, pool tables, and games, all over campus.

Food and Dining

the food is relatively mediocre. it's not terrible but it's not fantastic. the cool thing is that they have multiple restaurants on campus that take your meal plan money.

Dorm Life

the dorms are really small to be shared between two people but you won't spend much time there anyways and they all have awesome lounges and kitchens.

Academic Rigor

classes aren't simple by any means but they are definitely manageable.

Tips for prospective students

work hard, have varied interests, and love thing to be a little bit different.

In three sentences

there almost always something to do. the people are extremely polite and the atmosphere is great. i love this school!

Christopher

juniata college doesn't support fraternities or sororities because it would single out students from large associations.

Great for these types of students

science and business majors. environmental science majors love this school due to the eco-friendly initiatives.

Dorm Life

the dorms are average sized and the maintenance is superb. you get awarded better dorms if you do well academically.

Academic Rigor

the classes for the natural sciences are definitely competitive. i interned at a research position at another school during the 2011 summer and they definitely want more students from juniata college now.

Tips for prospective students

juniata college if definitely an institution you should consider if you want professors and advisors to help prepare you for your future. it is a small school but it comes with obvious advantages such as small classroom sizes, better opportunities for advancement, and friends you will get to know.

In three sentences

juniata college is an absolutely amazing school. the professors know you, the college is a close-knit community, and after graduation you will understand how much more you appreciate the institution. i do not have a single ounce of regret for choosing this college; it has definitely prepared me for my future.

Ryan from Buffalo, NY

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Campus Safety

The campus officers can get to just about any area in under 5 minutes and they also carry guns on their person now, not that they have ever had to use them, but it is an extra precautionary measure.

Greek Life

None.

Great for these types of students

For those active in clubs or sports and those that enjoy the outdoors and small town experience.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Mountain Day, Lobster Fest

What to do for fun

Small Theatre in town, but other than that students generally make their own fun.

Food and Dining

Food from the dining hall isn't that bad and the choices change from day to day, with vegan options all the way to meatlovers.

Dorm Life

Dorms are a bit small, and the hallways can get crowded but other than that it is a cozy place that allows for plenty of interaction!

Academic Rigor

They have a academic program designed around Chemistry and Biology but the Biochemistry program excels in more than one area as well. There are also various options availiable to those that exceed academic expectations and are able to take other courses for fun!

Mario from Bronx, NY

06/13/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

On campus, weekends can be spent doing a variety of activities. Many clubs offer events that take place on the weekend for people who are not interested in attending any larger parties. There is also the school pool which is open on the weekend to the students and various outings offered by the college to do owl prowls, canoe rides, and other outdoors activities at Raystown Field Station. Off campus, the Cliffton 5 movie theater shows the latest films at a very reasonable price which is often discounted on the weekends, and scenic areas such as the Peace Chapel and the Cliffs offer students an area to unwind and relax in solitude.

Food and Dining

With all of the food services on campus being provided by a single catering company, once at the college for a length of time, the food can start to feel mundane and repetitive. However, each meal at the dining hall is served buffet style with multiple stations offering menu items such as pasta, pizza, and burgers and fries simultaneously, so you'll always have a choice. Smaller eateries located in some of the academic buildings on campus add convenience to eating at Juniata College if you are in need of grabbing a quick bite to eat on your way to your next class.

Dorm Life

The dorms are fully furnished with all of the basic furniture necessities a college student would need. Most of the dorms also have a full kitchen to cook meals in if you are not interested in eating at the dining hall. The hallways are clean, and the dorm lounges possess vending machines if you have the late-night munchies. Resident Assistants are not out to condemn you on any small misdemeanor, but will enforce the rules if someone is proving to be a disturbance to other members in the hall.

Academic Rigor

There is a large disparity of difficulty found between the courses taught by the various science departments and other departments on campus. Intro level science courses at Juniata boast larger class drop rates than other courses, with students frequently citing the overall difficulty of the course as the reason for dropping. If you are planning on getting a science degree at Juniata College, be prepared to work long and hard.

Tips for prospective students

For students looking to apply to the school, it can not be stressed enough how important a visit to the campus is. There is no other substitute for gauging the atmosphere of the place where you will potentially spend the next four years of your life. If possible, seeing the campus in the Fall as the maple trees start to change colors will be sure to leave you with a lasting image of the campus.

In three sentences

Juniata College is a place where you will cultivate new friendships, explore new ideas, and challenge the principles that currently define who you are both in and out of the classroom. The town of Huntingdon where the college is situated offers a diverse range of outdoor activities and scenic Pennsylvanian landscapes to be enjoyed. The greatest asset of the college is its dedicated staff, always present to assist its students in whatever way may be needed.

Fatema from Washington, DC

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Campus Safety

The entire town over all is safe.

Greek Life

I am not sure what is meant by it but there are Greek students there.

Clubs and Activities

There are so many clubs and so many things going on all the time on campus. Also, there are so many cultural and ethnic clubs that do so many events both semesters to introduce them to other students.

Great for these types of students

International students, students who want to make the best of their education and college years, students who want to study abroad, political science majors.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Storming of the Arch is one interesting special tradition at JC where Freshmen have to beat usually rughby players and football players to literally storm what is called The Arch on campus.

Bang for the buck

The school is expensive, as are almost all good schools in America. Nonetheless, it is definitely worth your money. I am trying to come up with enough money to go there because I know I will get a wonderful educational experience having attended classes there.

What to do for fun

Go hiking, mountain climbing, exploring, visit the famous cliffs, the Peace Chapel, downtown area, take a walk around town to enjoy the beautiful buildings and definitely take trips to neighboringing towns for bowling, ice-skating or such activities.

Food and Dining

Food is limited within the main dining hall as I personally do not like American food very much. But, you can cook your own meals or choose the different options offered in different halls on campus.

Dorm Life

Being on campus and engaged in the different activities on campus is definitely an experience.Howevere, most typical American students tend to waste such an experience by consuming alcohol and drinking on most weekends. I loved living on campus and enjoyed attending all the activities. Nonetheless, I hate drinkers and drinking.

Academic Rigor

Juniata College is one of the best teaching systems I have been through. The professors are very personal and care about the students, the staff are very helpful and kind and the overall learning experience is highly grueling and challenging.

Tips for prospective students

For prospective students, especially from major cities, try to visit before you make up your mind on going as it is a very different kind of college life experience. Oh, and have a car or a friend with one.

In three sentences

Juniata College is a beautiful campus that offers students a peaceful private study environment. It provides students with a wide range of extracurricular activities and entertainment events. I love the mix of peacefulness, dedicated staff and professors, along with the wonderful community in Huntingdon, PA.

Taylor from Altoona, PA

07/26/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

If you enjoy doing outdoor activities, such as hiking and boating, then you will have no problem finding fun things to do. There are hiking trails minutes from the campus, and Lake Raystown is nearby for when the weather is nice. If you are not a big fan of the outdoors however, then you might not be able to find many things to do because Huntingdon is a fairly small town.

Food and Dining

I personally was not very impressed by the main dinning food, but there are other areas, such as Muddy Run, where you can get more specific foods, like subs, Mexican, and salads. Overall, I think the food provides something for everyone.

Dorm Life

The dorms are very small and provides little for storage, but there are lounges and kitchens in all of the dorms where you can spend your time instead.

Academic Rigor

For anyone who is interested in science, Juniata is the place to go. The work is very challenging, but in the end the knowledge you will gain is worth the effort.

Tips for prospective students

When coming to Juniata be prepared to work hard and expect to be challenged. Also realize that Juniata College is located in a small town and there is not whole lot to do outside of the college.

In three sentences

Juniata College is a great college for anyone interested in getting a fantastic education in anything to do with science. Located in a small town, the college provides for a very close knit community. The staff is clearly dedicated to the students' education and it shows both in and out of the classroom.

Kevin from New Milford, PA

The Juniata College Public Safety Department is constantly on patrol. There is never much for them to do though, as this school is very safe.

Greek Life

It does not exist. Period.

Clubs and Activities

There clubs ranging from Quidditch, to clay crafting, to fruit and wine. There are very many clubs, and it's easy to start a new one at any time.

Great for these types of students

Students looking for countless opportunities, and who want to be involved.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Storming of the Arch - Freshmen attempt in 10 runs to get through all the arch of the Cloister. If they do they get first choice of next year's dorm. Mountain Day - One random fall day at 5AM there will be knocking on doors and loud noises saying IT'S MOUNTAIN DAY! That means all classes are cancelled for that day and the students go to the lake for a fun day. Lobsterfest - All of the clubs on campus gather and students are served lobster as they sign up for clubs.

Bang for the buck

The sticker price seems high, but all college costs are rising. They also do a great job of financial aid. It is affordable and worth it.

What to do for fun

On Saturdays a student could head over to East for a party. There are unlimited other options though. Hikes to the cliffs, movie nights, many clubs, just hanging out with friends. There is never just one thing to do.

Food and Dining

This is not five star dining. The food company, Sodexo, does try it's best though, and there are always options to satisfy any students' palate.

Dorm Life

My RA quickly became one of my friends, and there's always something to do. The rooms are a decent size, and the bathrooms could be better. but are far from bad.

Johanna from Glenville, PA

10/11/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Clubs and Activities

Lobster fest is a day where the students get to go around to hundreds of tables and sign up for clubs (not to mention eating lobster). There are clubs such as Quidditch, Ministry of Gaming, Archery, Camping club, Science club, etc. The list goes on because there are so many clubs!

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Some of the unusual traditions include Storming of the Arch, Mountain Day, and Mr. Juniata. Storming of the Arch is where freshmen gather in a group and try to rush past the Rugby players through an arch. No one has ever made it, but the winner is rewarded with any room of their choice on campus. No one ever knows when Mountain Day will occur. In the early morning hours, upper classmen will blow air horns, run into the dorm buildings, and scream It's Mountain Day. This means that all classes, quizzes, and tests are canceled for the day, and the entire college (student and staff) gets to go to the lake. They have moon bounces set up, games, and food. Mr. Juniata is a annual tradition where a select few male students participate in a talent show. They show off their skills, and then model their best evening wear. At the end of the show, only one student is crowned the winner.

What to do for fun

There are a lot of nature areas nearby such as the lake, the Cliffs (which is just a 10 minute walk away), or the river. If you aren't such a huge fan of nature, there are tons of clubs to sign up for and participate in. There are club and sports activities going on all the time. Every weekend, Juniata has some kind of event to bring students together.

Food and Dining

There are many food places to choose from when you are searching for food. The main cafeteria is a buffet where you can get ice cream, smoothies, cookies, and cake daily. They have a wide variety of foods. If you dislike the food choices in the main cafeteria, you can walk right upstairs and get food such as quesadillas, Chinese food, subs, salads, or sandwiches.

Dorm Life

There are many dorms to choose from on campus. A lot of the freshmen stick together in the first year, but everyone is friendly and welcoming. In the freshmen dorms, the rooms do get a little small if you put the beds side by side. Bunking is the best bet if you are trying to save space.

Academic Rigor

Students have to remember that this is college, and there is a little bit more work required than High School; however, lots of students still have free time to participate in activities they love.

Tips for prospective students

Check out all classes, and take some classes that don't have anything to do with your major. College is about exploring, and Juniata College is a great place for that.

In three sentences

Juniata is a great college for those pursuing a science career or for those wanting to create their own major. Juniata uses Programs of Emphasis instead of majors, so you can design your own path. While the academics are great, the surrounding area is also a great place to spend your free time.

Joshua from Tyrone, PA

The campus is very safe. The campus police do their job very well and create a very safe atmosphere.

Greek Life

There aren't any fraternities at Juniata. The closest thing I can think of would be the rugby team.

Clubs and Activities

As I said before, there are numerous clubs to join. There are also social events almost everyday to attend.

Great for these types of students

Everyone can find something about Juniata to love. They're are an immense amount of clubs to satisfy many interests. If you're more studious then you can stay in your room and study, but if you want to go wild it is quite easy to do that as well.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

One tradition that sticks out in my mind is the storming of the arch. This is where the freshman students attempt to run along a path and make it into an arch while the upperclassmen (including the rugby team) try to stop them. To date, no one has ever made it into the arch.

Bang for the buck

Even though it's a private school and can initially seem very expensive, there is a lot of aid given out. If you come from a low income household you will pay very little.

What to do for fun

You can sign up for a club for just about anything. Then of course there are parties every weekend.

Food and Dining

The food is pretty decent. There are two options on where to eat. Upstairs in the dining hall is Muddy's, where the food quality is generally better but you can only get one meal. Below is Baker, which is buffet style but generally has lower quality food.

Dorm Life

The rooms are standard college-sized rooms. The people are friendly and everyone is more than happy to help you out if you need anything. It's very easy to make new acquaintances. It's easy to study if you need to and at the same time there are plenty of opportunities to party. The staff keeps the buildings very clean.

Academic Rigor

There is a fair amount of homework, but this makes it so that exams aren't such a big deal. If you're planning on majoring in a science class they can be a bit difficult, but it isn't overwhelming.

Tips for prospective students

Be sure to schedule classes as early as you can, they fill up fast.

In three sentences

Juniata is a small, liberal arts school with a friendly atmosphere. The campus is beautiful, the staff are extremely helpful and the atmosphere is one of intelligence. Everyone is very personable and if you need help with anything it is very easy to get it.

nikkih520

I always, ALWAYS feel safe on campus. I've heard of no problems otherwise.

Greek Life

No Greek life!!

Clubs and Activities

Juniata has HUNDREDS of clubs to choose from and many different activities you can be involved in--it's you who choose to have fun or be bored.

Great for these types of students

Great for people who like smaller class sizes, one-on-one time with professors, don't mind living in a small town, and in general love learning.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There are a lot of multicultural events that you might not have been exposed to, but they are all very interesting and worth going to.

Bang for the buck

Juniata is very expensive, but the financial aid office WILL work with you to figure out payment plans if you are struggling. I'm an independent student, and I talked with Diane in the office and she helped figure out everything to me. There's always something that can be done!

Mountain Day: One school day fall semester, JAB members will come screaming down your halls, banging pots and pans, screaming its mountain day! at around 4am. This means all classes have been canceled and Juniata will provide buses to a mountain where there are games and activities prepared for you to do.

Bang for the buck

Very expensive, but you will get a great education and Juniata provides many scholarships.

What to do for fun

Although it is located in a very small city there are things you can do. Being around mountain ranges, it is a very beautiful aria, two common destinations for students within walking distance are The cliffs and The peace chapel. A little farther of a walk, the city also has a movie theater, coffee shop, a few restaurants and a sheetz! Juniata itself hires entertainers and plans many events throughout the semester to keep its students occupied.

Food and Dining

Juniata is small, so we only have two dining arias located in the same building. The first Eagle's Landing is good, but the menu never changes so it gets repetititve very fast. Baker is an all-you-can-eat set up where there are more options, but it also gets repetitive.

Dorm Life

It really depends on the dorm building you end up in. Overall the rooms are bigger than the average dorm room and the views vary from blocked windows to a nice view of the campus. While there is heating, most of the dorms do not have air conditioning which can be very uncomfortable in the hot PA summers. The dorms are pretty clean, even the bathrooms you almost always share by floor. They have reasonable and enforced quiet hours.

Academic Rigor

As with any school, how much work you will have and how many credits you will be required depends greatly on the major you choose. Comparing with friends attending other institutions (both public and private) Juniata has a higher work load and the classes are much harder. On the other hand, I had a better understanding of subjects and overall enjoyed my classes more since the Professors were both the ones that were teaching us and very engaging.

Tips for prospective students

Juniata is a great school that I highly recommend! School is taken very seriously here and it will take some time to adjust, there will be work! Just stay on top of things and you will be fine. The people here are great! Keep your mind open, without a doubt Juniata will change your perspective on life.

In three sentences

Juniata has the most inspiring population (speaking about both students and staff). Great small school experience, you are always taught by a professor and never competing with graduate students for special opportunities. You also get the small town experience, not as exciting as a city, but provides a great environment for someone who is studious.

Patricia from Walkersville, MD

01/17/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

lobsterfest

What to do for fun

we always have performances and events going on in the rosenburg auditorium. there is a cozy little cafe a few blocks outside of campus with great coffee. lots of sports events year around. and there is always weekend partying.

Food and Dining

there are 2 main cafeterias: Baker and Eagles Landing. Eagles will tend to have food that is healthier than Baker. we also have a few cafes across campus that have sandwiches and snacks in case people can't get to the cafeteria.

Dorm Life

living in the dorms is a lot of fun. freshman dorms tend to be on the louder side, but you can easily make friends with everyone in your dorm within the first week of school.

Academic Rigor

classes tend to have a good amount of homework, whether it is reading chapters or doing problems/papers.

In three sentences

Juniata is very friendly and open to newcomers. the classes are small and students get to have a student-teacher relationship. the campus is beautiful, but small, so students can walk to all the buildings.

Female Graduate

Expect assault to be swept under the rug as Juniata cares more about reputation than safety.

Greek Life

none

Great for these types of students

Outdoorsy

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Storming of the arch Pig roast

What to do for fun

Drink.

Food and Dining

Terrible. The local prison has a higher meal plan with sodexo. They will not allow you to cancel your meal plan either, as they believe college students are unable to cook for themselves. Do not expect to be given healthy choices at Juniata.

Academic Rigor

You will be prepared for graduate school. There is little to prep you for the working world.

Tips for prospective students

Don't expect to be safe when you go out.

In three sentences

A good education, however it is run poorly and there is little concern for female student safety.

Nathan from Dalmatia, PA

07/02/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

State College and Altoona are only half an hour away which is nice because all students are allowed to have a vehicle. There is a movie theater in town and a bowling alley nearby. Also, restaurants line the highway near the school giving kids the option to dine out when necessary. Juniata always have some kind of activity during the weekend to encourage kids to stay on campus and to enjoy some fun.

Food and Dining

The food at Juniata is a little disappointed but it is better than cooking canned food every night. They tend to put all the good food in one meal during one day of the week but there are different dining options available so you probably will not get tired of a certain food. And after all, they are renovation the cafeteria and changing the way the food is going to be served for the 2013 school year!

Dorm Life

Juniata's dorms are really quite fun to live in. The dorms are not far from other parts of campus and walking from one dorm to the other is a breeze. Each different dorm has its own benefit but one is not supremely superior to any other.

Academic Rigor

Juniata is a top ranked school and proves it with the vigorous academics it provides. Due to the high academic standing Juniata is much harder than i expected and did not compare to how easy high school was. Juniata will prepare you for your field not matter what study you are in.

Tips for prospective students

College may seem like freedom due to the lack of parents but it is not all fun and games. College is meant to prepare you for your occupation and life down the road. Sure it may be fun to fool around every once and awhile, but do not forget the meaning of why you are at college.

In three sentences

Juniata College is a home away from home where it is very simple to find a group of people to whom you belong. Going to Juniata was a smooth and almost seamless transaction because I was able to quickly find a group of friends. The studies also challenge me and help me to learn so that I will be the best professional I can be.

Calli from Carlisle, PA

09/10/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

There really aren't any security problems on campus, dorms are secure, and theft is rare if not unheard of. Students trust the system enough to leave backpacks and laptops out in public areas unattended without fear. The campus really feels like a family, rather than just different people living close together. That's the thing about a small campus, it has to be that way to work.

Greek Life

There are no frats or sororities on campus... officially at least. The club sports teams sort of take that place, but parties are mostly contained to the upperclassmen dorms of East on Saturday nights and are nondiscriminatory. If someone wants to party, they definitely have the opportunity, but parties at Juniata are also easy to avoid for anyone who doesn't want to be involved.

Clubs and Activities

Student run organizations are a big deal on campus. A big festival called Lobsterfest introduces them all to students during the first few weeks and students are free to choose what to participate in from sports to comic books to environmental coalitions. The variation is incredible.

Great for these types of students

Students that want their professors to actually know their names, students that want small classes, students that want to travel or study abroad, and students that want to embrace diversity and get to know the people at their school on a personal level would love Juniata. The college's international and study abroad programs are unmatched in participation and provide great opportunities for students!

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

On the secret unannounced mountain day students on the activity board are called and provided air horns at 5am to wake all the students on campus. Classes, meetings, and jobs are cancelled for the day and the school hosts a huge number of activities on campus for students and faculty to get outdoors and enjoy the good weather. Mountain day is 'always tomorrow' until it actually happens!!!

Bang for the buck

Juniata College is small and private, so it is very expensive but holds the potential for great scholarships and huge reductions in cost based on both academics and financial need. The education offered by this institution is well worth the price, and they work to get scholarships, jobs, and internships for any student who expresses interest.

What to do for fun

Outdoorsmen and the environmentally inclined will love the numerous hiking trails, walking/running paths, and cliffs within a ten minute walk of campus. The nearby Juniata river provides an opportunity for many recreational activities. Raystown lake is about 20 minutes away, and Juniata offers free kayak, canoe, and watersport equipment rentals to students and faculty. Monthly bus trips take students to State College (40 minutes away) on weekends for shopping, etc and many students carpool to tailgate or go to football games. There are local caves that offer tours as well. Juniata also provides many on-campus activities such as movies on the grass, concerts, game nights, etc to bring people together on weekends and evenings.

Food and Dining

Dining services at Juniata College are provided by the food company Sodexo. There is great variation in the buffet-style dining area. The pizza and pasta line, sub line, self-created stir fry, and grill area always offer varied options (including vegan, etc) to accommodate each student's needs. Various food areas around campus offer meal exchange that allows students to grab quick meals between classes without crossing campus and counts them on their meal plan like a normal meal. Dining hours can be inconvenient for some sports teams and depending on how students schedule, but the school is good at leaving doors open for specific teams and events as they learn of schedule conflicts.

Dorm Life

Juniata College dorms are, well, college dorms. Our dorms are clean and well maintained, but everybody wants more space. The dorms are a little overcrowded this year, forcing some groups to triple in a room meant for two, but a new super eco-conscious dorm building is being constructed to alleviate this over crowding. Dorm goers in different buildings have different levels of social interaction, but overall dorms are easy to travel between and are generally clean. Each student's gold card / ID will swipe them into any dorm building at any time of day or night, which is a luxury. Individual room doors have manual keys, which just means student's can't accidentally shut themselves out of the room!

Academic Rigor

Juniata's Program of Emphasis approach to Majors makes everything highly individualized and open to manipulation by students if they so choose. The courses here involve the same standard amount of work as courses at other colleges would, but Juniata also offers many less traditional courses (such as classes on Field Research where students travel across the country and do field research in the desert for credit). Each student can decide what he or she can handle and wants to be involved in, whether traditional or not, and course loads are manageable to encourage students to participate in Juniata's many extracurricular activities.

Tips for prospective students

Prospective students really need to visit the campus and sit in on classes while students are here to understand if Juniata College is going to be the right fit. The atmosphere of the campus, students, and faculty is one thing unique to this school and is either a hit or miss with many people. The small highly personalized classes and Programs of Emphasis (POE's, comparable to majors) are things that students really need to experience and hear about first hand from students to understand their uniqueness and significance in higher education.

In three sentences

Juniata College has a small town big community feel that is comfortable and relaxed. This college is relatively small, but provides large opportunities particularly through stellar academics and a strong push to travel and expand upon the curriculum outside the classroom setting. Faculty, staff, and community members are very approachable and make this campus feel like one big family.

Kelly from San Luis Obispo, CA

11/25/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Food and Dining

Baker is generally not very good, especially for vegetarians. There is a new vegetarian line though and a Mongolian grill, which are decent vegetarian choices. The upstairs dining place, Muddy, also has vegetarian options.

Dorm Life

Dependent on dorms. TnT is probably best for freshmen and Lesher for girls only.

Academic Rigor

Lots of homework, although this is major and class dependent.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure you are okay with a small rural campus. The tours here are great and very personalized. Apply early. Do inbound.

In three sentences

Juniata is a small school and the professors are mostly very nice and easy to meet with. Students here are also generally very nice. The food could use improvement though.

Anonymous

11/25/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

I feel completely safe on campus. Students leave their bags out in the middle of the floor outside the dining hall and nobody takes them. You can also leave your bathroom supplies in the bathroom and nobody will take your belongings.

Great for these types of students

Quirky, out-of-the-box thinkers, and people who learn through talking or doing.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

They cancel classes in the fall without telling there students. Everyone gets waken up early in the morning with air horns. Everyone goes out to enjoy a nice break from classes by the lake. It's fun. Only here would you have students willingly camp in the middle of campus for tickets to a formal dinner. Storming of the Arch is fun to watch...

Bang for the buck

They're good with financial aid. They do their best to make it affordable for you. I feel as if it is worth the amount of money I pay. I have had opportunities here (study abroad in Germany, internships, jobs) that I wouldn't have gotten had I gone elsewhere.

Food and Dining

They just redid the dining hall. It looks nice. The food could be better, but they are planning on improving the quality of their food. You can always find something to eat in Baker though.

Dorm Life

They are building a new dorm with all singles. Juniatians are excited about that! They are clean and usually quiet. There is one all-girls dorm on campus. The rest are coed.

Academic Rigor

The classes are interesting. A lot of classes are discussion based, and we will do hands-on activities. The professors use a variety of textbooks ranging from autobiographies to novels to graphic texts. It is a unique learning experience. They also offer Special Topics classes and interesting classes. I've taken Gendering the Raj, Islam:Real and Imagined, History of Food, Public History, and Women in Africa. Super interesting classes. I learned so much in them!

Marlene from Salix, PA

The Campus is really safe. You can walk around campus at night and you should not be afraid because there is almost no chance of nothing happening.

Greek Life

There is no Greek life at Junaita.

Clubs and Activities

Juniata has Lobsterfest every year and this is the time when you sign up for all the clubs you want to participate in for the year. The clubs are very engaging, and depending on what you want, you can defiantly find it on campus.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Tenting - students tent out on the lawn in order to get in line for Madrigal. Madrigal - A formal dinner where professors sever the students. And after the dinner there is also a dance. Mountain day - a day in the fall when classes are randomly called off and the students can either spend the day in bed or go to Raystown lake and have a nice day there. Lobsterfest - a day where Junaita students eat either lobster or steak and pick the clubs they want to be in.

What to do for fun

Juniata brings in a lot of Speakers, and performances and there always something to do. Between school and the extra activities Junaita brings in, you will never be bored.

Food and Dining

It gets boring, the options are basically the same every day.

Dorm Life

It is a dorm, so don't expect too much. Lesher Hall is the all girls dorm and it is probably the nicest and the quietest. All the dorms are okay, but they are dorms so they are nothing special.

Academic Rigor

Junaita keeps you very busy. You have a lot of work to do and a lot of things to learn, however the professor are very nice and the love to help you. They teach you not only what you have to know when you enter the real world, but also how to be prepared to switch professions if you need to. There is a lot that goes into surviving in the real world, and Juniata professor really prepare you for that.

Tips for prospective students

If you are a interested in politics make sure to visit professor Nagengast. Also if you have questions make sure to ask.

In three sentences

Juniata college is a little college in the middle of nowhere, however Juniata does a great job bringing in performers and giving you something to do. Juniata has a very diverse campus with a lot of international students, and international activities. You have more to do around Juniata than just school work.

Ichiro from Brooklyn, NY

The campus is very safe and the campus public safety crew do a great job in ensuring the safety of all students on campus.

Dorm Life

Everyone on my floor is very kind and accepting. Throughout my whole time here at Juniata College, I have never come across anyone who is disrespectful when asked to turn down their music or their TV because it is quiet hours. The RA's and RD's are also very good and qualified people that can help you in many different ways.

Academic Rigor

Juniata has very high academic rigor in terms of the workload and effort expected. The courses here are not easy per say, they are challenging enough for students that want a good and healthy challenge. Personally, I feel that Juniata has a perfect level of academics for myself.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure to try and interact with the school as much as possible. Send e-mails to your admissions representative to ask questions and to ask for opportunities to visit/schedule an interview. However don't be too annoying. Also, make sure you keep your grades up in school and perform well on either the ACT or the SAT since Juniata takes either one. You can also apply here with no test results if that is what you prefer. All in all, make sure you have a good relationship with your admissions rep.

In three sentences

Juniata College is a great place to learn, grow as an individual, and feel comfortable among your peers, staff, and professors. The people here are great and they really want you to succeed. As long as you put in the effort and commit yourself to being successful, the people here will help you in doing so.

Anonymous

01/13/2015

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Greek Life

We have none

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Mountain Day is when you are woken up at 4am by airhorns in September or October on an unknown day, to tell you there is no class. The entire school then goes up to Raystown Lake where there are a variety of activities that happen. Lobsterfest, Storming the Arch, Mr. Juniata, and Madrigal are also a traditions that make Juniata unique.

What to do for fun

State College and Altoona are both about 45 minutes away, and the college is located in a small little town. There are a few good pizza places around town, and going up to the cliffs is always a fun thing to do, too.

Food and Dining

There is a good amount of variety, however, it is the same variety all the time. It gets old quick, but is far from being the worst college cafeteria food I've had.

Dorm Life

The dorms haven't been remodeled in years, but there is one new dorm with all single rooms. However, it is an additional $800. Juniata is a residential campus, so they push for you to live on campus all four years.

Academic Rigor

Classes are tough. Professors expect a lot from students, but are also willing to work with you whenever you need it. Freshman classes aren't easier just because they have no college experience either.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure to do your research. I committed thinking I would be able to do one thing, but after starting at Juniata I found other school that offer more specific programs like I'd like. However, Juniata offers so much that I'm not upset with the decision I made.

In three sentences

It's a very small school, so you get to know everyone super quick, but that means you also get to know professors really well. There are so many nice people on campus, too. Classes are tough, but professors are more than willing to work with you to make sure you do well.

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